Modernized Italian Castle-Hotel Near Rome Comes to Market for €6.5 Million
Set within the village of Nerola in the Sabina hills, about 45 km from Rome, the 11th-century fortress underwent extensive restoration in the 20th century, preserving its medieval exterior while preparing it for hotel and event use.
Today the property includes a full suite of hospitality amenities—including a restaurant and bar, meeting and event spaces, and an outdoor panoramic pool—and spans roughly 43,000 ft² (4,000 m²) across three main structures: the Castello, the medieval fortress at the heart of the estate; the Scuderie, formerly the historic stables; and the Borghetto dei Lecci, a converted cluster of village-style buildings. Together, they accommodate a total of 51 guest rooms.
Just outside the walls sits the 18th-century Villino Salimei, along with an adjacent 16-key hotel, Albergo 3 Palme, which is currently not in operation.
The castle’s history is linked to several of Italy’s major noble families. From medieval times through the 17th century it was associated with the Orsini, whose territorial influence helped shape much of central Italy. In the 1600s it later passed to the Barberini and then the Odescalchi families.
Its most significant modern-era moment came in 1867, during the final stages of the Risorgimento, the decades-long movement that created the modern country we now call Italy. Although the Kingdom of Italy had been officially proclaimed in 1861, unification was still incomplete and Rome remained under papal rule, supported by French troops. As Giuseppe Garibaldi’s nationalist forces attempted to bring Rome into the new kingdom, a contingent of his volunteers occupied Castello Orsini di Nerola in the days leading up to the Battle of Mentana, using it as a temporary base and field hospital. The French–Papal victory forced their retreat and delayed Rome’s annexation until 1870, tying the castle directly to one of the decisive final chapters in Italy’s formation.
Located within the village itself, the castle benefits from immediate access to local amenities while still sitting within easy reach of Rome, under an hour’s drive from the capital. In its current configuration, the property can support a range of uses — from a boutique hotel or event venue to a private residence capable of accommodating guests at scale.
For buyers seeking a medieval property with documented history, established hospitality infrastructure, and a setting just outside the capital, Castello Orsini di Nerola offers an appealing combination.
